Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is one of the biggest events in Bristol’s calendar. Here is our ultimate guide to the balloon fiesta so that you can make the most of the weekend!
Where to stay
The Berkeley Square Hotel: this elegant four-star hotel is situated at the top of the iconic Park Street, boasting fantastic transport links to Ashton Court, where the fiesta takes place. Each room perfectly blends sleek modern design and the Georgian roots of the hotel. It is one of the best places to stay for the Balloon Fiesta.
The Clifton Hotel: a charming three-star hotel in Clifton, the Clifton is easy to get to, reasonably priced, and of fantastic quality. Guests are guaranteed a warm welcome at this small independent hotel, with each room stocked with complimentary refreshments including a bowl of fresh fruit, loose leaf tea, biscuits, and ground coffee.
The Rodney Hotel: The Rodney Hotel is an elegant, cosy hotel in beautiful Clifton, just a ten-minute drive away from the fiesta. The hotel channels traditional comfort in a leafy urban setting. Situated on a beautiful Georgian terrace. It’s also in the middle of charming Clifton village with its elegant crescents, cobbled streets, and myriad independent boutiques and eateries.
The Washington Guesthouse: Situated in central Clifton, the Washington offers exceptional value for money in a fantastic location. As one of Bristol’s best budget bed and breakfast options, the Washington offers guests a cosy and comfortable stay at great prices.
How to get there
The Balloon Fiesta is held at Ashton Court estate, just across the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.
From each of our hotels, it takes less than 15 minutes by car/taxi to where the event is taking place, 30 minutes via bus, and less than 50 minutes to walk. You couldn’t be better placed to make the most of the fiesta!
What’s on
There are a host of different events that take place throughout the balloon fiesta. Here are some of our favourites!
Mass ascents: at the heart of the experience of this unique event is a game of chance – will these majestic hot air balloons take flight? With mass ascents of over 100 hot air balloons scheduled twice daily, visitors have the chance to see the compact central arena awash with a rainbow of colour at dawn (approx. 6 am) and at dusk (approx. 6 pm).
Night glows: On Friday and Saturday, visitors can stay beyond nightfall to experience the event’s iconic Nightglows. When after dark, dozens of hot air balloons inflate, and use their burners to glow in time to a soundtrack of inspiring music by BBC Radio Bristol to bring the party atmosphere and the crowd to their feet.
Beyond the arena: Beyond the arena, a programme of entertainment, traders, exhibitors, caterers and activities allow visitors to experience the magic of ballooning and this unique day out even when the weather prevents the balloons from taking flight. During the day, you will find the Brizzle Kicks family entertainment stage, produced by Party Peeps, and the Moon Stage, our acoustic music stage, produced by BIMM.
